Hononegah Drama Club invites audiences to “Be Our Guest” at Beauty and the Beast

Hononegah High School's Drama Club invites audiences to “Be Our Guest” during this weekend's  production of  Disney's Beauty and the Beast.  Directed by choir teacher Carolyn Frieden, and Student Director sophomore Annelise Mesa, a cast of over 50 students are ready to bring  this  popular story to the Performing Arts Center stage.

Senior Sam Ross is portraying the iconic Beast. Ross has been in over 20 productions since first hitting the stage when he was eight years old.  Beauty and the Beast was his first show then. It is his debut at Hononegah - in the lead role.

Playing the Beast's eventual love interest is Olivia Coleman, who is stepping into the role of Belle. The entertaining and often humorous Gaston is being brought to life by Casey Bohn. Noah Brockway is becoming  the character of Lefou. Colton Heinrich is playing  Maurice. Leo Galliuzo is Lumiere, Trinity Moffitt in the role of Cogsworth, Audry Piggot is bringing  Mrs. Potts to life. Kirra Fluegel is Chip.  Emma Kuo is transforming into  Babette. Olivia Gelander  as Madame de la Grande Bouche and Gabe Kohl as  Monsieur D' Arque. Playing Silly Girls are Cassidy Eddy, Amiah Jackson, and Layla Qulillen. Sarah Yeager is ready to shine as the Enchantress. Gabe Kohl is also  sure to create memorable scenes as the Young Prince. An ensemble will be singing, dancing and acting to make the script fly off the pages.

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Senior Cassidy Eddy is sharing her talent as one of the 'Silly Girls.' She says, “The three of us are very energetic and determined even when our dreams are crushed repeatedly by Gaston because he only holds interest in Belle." She adds, "Mrs. Frieden is so amazing and always encourages us to try our best, and she never gives up on us. This show is my last and it is bittersweet.” Eddy has been gracing stages since she was in seventh grade.

A live pit band will play "old as time" favorites such as the theme song, Beauty and the Beast, Be Our Guest, Belle, Gaston, Something There, The Mob Song, and reprises of various tunes.

Beauty and the Beast is a beloved fairy tale that originally written by French novelist Gabrielle- Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. The story was first published in 1740. Variants of the story have been written and presented in different countries since its inception. As the story unfolds on stage. the main discovery lies in the fact that beauty goes far beyond appearances.

The cast, crew, and orchestra have been working hard and have been practicing for months. "It is amazing to see the show come together in our final week," Eddy said.

Behind the scenes are choreographers, set designers, lighting,  stage and costume crews.

Show times are Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12 at 7:00 p.m, with a Sunday matinee on March 13  at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase online at hononegah.org, or at the box office per availability.  Adults pay $10 and students $8. Tickets are general admission (no reserved seats) and are limited. Face masks are recommended.